Gov JB Prizker lauds firearms lawsuit bill | Illnois National Guard photo cleared for public use
Gov JB Prizker lauds firearms lawsuit bill | Illnois National Guard photo cleared for public use
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) released a statement on May 18 saying he will sign a bill passed by the legislature that would allow lawsuits against entities in the firearms industry for violations of Illinois law.
“Gun violence is a public health epidemic, and those who encourage unlawful use of a firearm or target sales of firearms to minors worsen the scourge of gun violence in our communities,” said Pritzker. “This legislation finally protects Illinoisans from predatory actions by the firearms industry.”
The bill prohibits marketing and sales of firearms to minors and other actions, including "failing to establish or utilize reasonable controls; (ii) advertise, market, or promote a firearm-related product in a manner that reasonably appears to support, recommend, or encourage individuals to engage in unlawful paramilitary or private militia activity."
The bill was spearheaded by Illinois Atty. Gen. Kwame Raoul (D). Republicans objected to the bill during the Senate vote on Thursday, arguing that it was too broad and would lead to court challenges.
Approved in 2005, the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act widely exempts gun makers from being sued for injuries caused by criminal misuse of their products. However, the act provides exceptions, including an allegation that the manufacturer or seller violated state or federal law on the sale or marketing of firearms.
"While gun manufacturers have legal protections that shield them from most lawsuits, this does not mean they are exempt from being sued, according to legal experts," AP News said in an article published on February 9, 2022. "Nor are they the only industry with such protections. For example, COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers have legal shields as well."
State Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) said that the recently-passed proposal addresses such instances as advertising campaigns for a "JR-15" rifle that dubbed the weapon "smaller, safer, and lighter".
“This is how people are marketing guns to our children,” Harmon said.
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